Let’s talk about DETOX, or the popular notion of the “spring cleanse”. The body is actually designed to detox itself during every season, and every day, in many ways, so in actuality we really shouldn’t need a “cleanse”. Of course it’s always appropriate to cease any habit or dietary item that is damaging to our organs like sugar, chemical food additives, drugs or alcohol. If we’re eating well all year, drinking our nourishing herbal infusions every day, taking care of ourselves (body, mind and spirit) and keeping our bodies moving, this spring detox becomes less of an urge.

One of the major organs involved in, and focused on, for detox is the LIVER. It’s worthwhile to note that in our climate, winter is long, cold and the tendency is for people to spend a lot more time indoors with a lot less activity. The the body has slowed down and has been breathing less fresh outdoor air. The night is longer and the darkness makes us want to sleep more. Also, we have a tendency to eat more rich, fatty, sweet, comforting foods and we have less access to, and desire, to eat fresh raw greens.

These factors affect the function and efficiency of all our bodily systems. It’s appropriate to be considering some extra nourishment, especially of the green plant variety! Lets focus on building and nourishing as a way to feel more energy, more life, more vitality.

Nettle

One of the most nourishing, safe and beneficial herbs at this time of year, particularly for the sluggish spring liver, is the prolific Nettle Leaf! It’s high in easily absorbable iron, vitamins A, B1, B5, C, D, E and K, potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium and others. It also contains flavonoids, essential amino acids and proteins. It is a very effective liver tonic and has been a favourite spring edible since medieval times. You can also eat Nettle seeds which are potent energizers, urinary system allies and they oﬀer great adrenal support. It is recommended to take the seeds in the morning, not the evening, because the energizing effect is so profound.

Dandelion

Dandelion leaves, flowers and roots are all very beneficial to liver function in the springtime. They’re also extremely good for nourishment, building strength and vitality with potassium, vitamins A, B, C and zinc. The nutritious leaves are an essential “bitter” herb that stimulate the liver and gallbladder, thus improving digestion. We can eat the flowers in fritters, or sprinkle the petals on a tender salad, sauté the leaves with oil and lemon and roast the roots for a healing coffee alternative.

Red Clover

Red Clover stimulates bile production and decreases inflammation, aiding liver function. It’s also a valuable source of nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red Clover have been scientifically proven to support the liver in processing hormones due to it containing a rich source of phytoestrogens. It’s also been proven to improve issues related to men’s sexual health and urinary health; particularly the prostate gland.

I can’t finish an article about detox without bringing up our state of mind and deep breathing. It’s very important to remember that a destructive pattern of thinking, a distressed emotional state, repressed anger and sustained emotional strain can be crucial factors in literally creating a physical state of “toxicity”, or what I prefer to call “imbalance”. We often think about herbs, food and our body but forget that our mind and spirit need to be cleared from time to time as well.